How to Buy Computers for Recycling

Used computers sell for a fraction of their original purchase price. Last year's computer may not have the necessary operating system to run current software. Savvy buyers have discovered that they can often recoup more money from the individual parts, than by the sale price of the intact computer. Recycled parts are not only used in rebuilding computers, but they are used in making art, jewelry and sculptures. Parts are used to teach computer courses, and they can be a source of precious metals.

Instructions

1. Contact computer manufacturers. Many brand name computer manufacturers have recycle programs where they accept used computers. Typically, these computers will be disassembled. Some manufacturers make donated computers available to outside recyclers.

2. Make friends with the sales people at the local computer outlets. They will be talking to clients who are replacing old equipment. Give them a stack of your business cards to hand out to clients who need someone to haul away their old computer.

3. Learn how to erase hard drives. If you offer those seeking to get rid of old equipment the free service of erasing their hard drive before taking the computer, you may be able to obtain the old computer for the price of your time.

4. Check out yard sales for used computers. Garage sales and yard sales are one way individuals try to sell their old computers.

5. Shop secondhand stores for used computers that have been donated.

6. Read the classifieds in the throw away shopper's guide and newspaper. It is one way individuals advertise their used computers.

7. Advertise in the throw away papers. Let people know what computer parts you are looking for.

8. Call the purchasing department of school districts, government offices and large businesses. If they are in the process of buying new computer equipment, they may have old equipment they are liquidating.

Tips & Warnings

• Individuals with used computers are often grateful just to get rid of the outdated machine. Offer to take the item off their hands before making an offer to buy. Auction Websites, such as eBay, may be one source for used computers. However, the shipping fees may eliminate any profits.

• Some computer monitors can be deadly to work on, and it is never advised for recyclers to attempt to take apart a monitor.

Resources

• Computer Recycle Information